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De Anza College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See De Anza College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending De Anza College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free De Anza College reviews, or contribute your own De Anza College review if you're a current student there.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Diana from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Although De Anza College is a community college, I feel that you can get so much more out of this school rather than going straight into a university. The classes & teachers are there to help you reach your goal as much as they can, whether it's in your education, career, or life. I feel like I'm getting the aid to get where I want to be in life at De Anza College because of all of the things I've learned in my time being there.
    Am enjoying being here

    I enjoy being at this school a whole lot. There is a ton of opportunities to meet new people, get involved in many different school activities, and getting ahead in your education. The one thing I do not enjoy about this school is the parking. With so many students here, it might be best to get there at least an hour early before your class- just to get a parking space! Other than that, this school is great and I enjoy being there.
    Bang for the buck

    Even going to a community college can be a bit pricey these days, but I feel that De Anza College is a very affordable school at $13/unit. Affording college is, well, AFFORDABLE at De Anza College.
    Tips for prospective students

    As I mentioned before, get there super early to get a parking space. Also, register for classes when it's your time to- classes fill up FAST. And always, check ratemyprofessors.com for the classes you are taking. You never know which teacher is right- or wrong- for you.
    Great for these types of students

    De Anza is a great school for students who like to get ahead and like to work hard. Since it's a quarter system, it's more for the type of students that can work at a fast pace.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Lauren from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    De Anza is a great school, one of the top community colleges in the state. All the teachers are well-educated, most with Master's and Doctorate Degrees. They truly care about their students and they are always available to help after class.
    Am enjoying being here

    College is so much better than high school. You get the freedom to choose what classes you take and when. College life at De Anza is pretty cool. Since it's a community college, students don't live on campus but there are still tons of ways to meet people. With over a hundred different clubs you can meet people who share your same interests. The easiest way to meet people though is in your classes. Making friends in class makes the class much more enjoyable and makes the time go by much faster. Many of the teachers assign group work which is the perfect time to meet people. There are also many events that occur around lunch time which bring the students together.
    Bang for the buck

    Definitely getting your money's worth. At $17 a unit, registration fees are only about $816 a year! that's only about 1/6 the price of some of the cheaper 4-year schools! You really get your money's worth at De Anza. Going here saves thousands of dollars a year for the same quality education. Since you spend your first two years taking GE classes anyway, it's best to get a great education at a great price. Definitely recommend this school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Register early! It's important to register at 5am on your chosen registration date. I know it sounds early but it's really important because it can make the difference between getting a class or not. Make sure to check the availability of the classes you want ahead of time so when registration comes, you won't be freaked out about what class you will take if you can't get the one you want. Also, be sure to sign into the MyDeAnza portal to register at around 4:45am because there are thousands of students signing on at the same time.
    Don't waste time. Make sure to take at least 15 transferable units a quarter so you don't get behind. There are many students who don't take enough units when they first start and they end up staying an extra year because of it. Don't make the same mistake! Meet with a counselor if you're confused because they are there to help.
    Do take the time to meet people in your classes. They can help with your coursework and help make the time go by faster when in class. And who knows, maybe they'll turn out to be a new friend!
    Do apply for financial aid. I qualified for the BOG fee waiver and had all my registration fees paid for me my first year. Definitely worth applying.
    Don't slack off. This is not anything like high school. If you screw up, your grades will reflect that and your professors won't change your grade just because you give them a sob story or beg them to change it. It's a time to get serious. You are there to learn.
    Lastly, have fun! Enjoy the experience because it goes by quickly.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for all types of students. There are many different people at De Anza, both traditional and non-traditional. There are online and night classes for full-time workers as well as classes starting as early as 7:30am for morning people like me. Many classes available so timing should not be a problem with those who work.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Yi-Fu from Los Gatos, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Jasmin from Los Gatos, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    My teachers have shown that they are passionate about the subject they teach. It's not like high school, where you just take notes, study and do homework and that's all you really get from a class. You actually learn beyond than you would from an ordinary class.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to qualify as an in-state resident before applying to this college or you'll be spending thousands on tuition on just the first few quarters that you attend.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    The teachers that I've had the chance to know are absolutely amazing. However, you must know that I used Rate My Professor. For me personally, I believe that having a great, or even decent teacher, is the best way to learn. They are your educators and they are the expert in whatever subject you're trying to learn about.

    In my experience, every single class I ever took at De Anza, my teachers were passionate about their knowledge of the subject and seemed to want their students to know just why they are so passionate about it. I really was inspired to learn in my classes because of that kind of attitude that was presented to the students.
    Did enjoy being here

    From the outside looking in, the school looks overcrowded and kind of boring.

    However, I thought it was absolutely peaceful and tranquil - the perfect place for a real scholar. There were enough flowing trees for shade, but there was enough spaces for sunlight to peak through. The campus is really clean because everywhere you go, there's bound to be a trashcan nearby, along with a recycle bin for recyclables. This environment allowed students to study out in the open without being interrupted by noise.

    However, because it is a community college, most students go to school with the intention of transferring, and because of this, there aren't many student activities. Of course, there are clubs, but the campus is usually quiet with the occasional chatter between students. It might be a little boring for students who want some activities in their school.
    Bang for the buck

    Since De Anza is using a Quarter system, instead of a Semester, classes are shorter and lessons may be accelerated in order to cover all material that is required to be taught. That and adding to the budget cuts make classes very expensive to take. In order to take advantage of the classes you have paid for, you would have to take up every single information taught, including learning outside of class with your teacher's office hours.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you do research yourself when you're trying to apply at an out of state university. The counselors at De Anza generally can't help you out as well as you can. Make sure you take a good look at requirements for certain schools.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that are very education-focused. This is not a school for students who just want to have fun.

  • Zachariah from Ben Lomond, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The Automotive Technology Program offered at De Anza is well organized with availability of up to date equipment and technology. The teachers are extremely knowledgable and connect personally with the students, always being open to work individually — very important! I highly recommend this school and hope it can continue to find support through budget cuts and hard times.
    Tips for prospective students

    I most recommend that students use the instructors as much as possible. Fit in some one-on-one time with them and ask questions. Try to reap from their experience because that is invaluable in the automotive world. Finally, because automotive technology is becoming electronic, focus on electoral related classes. My father recently told me, to be an auto mechanic means to be an electrical engineer.
    Academic Rigor

    The classes are very thorough and cover a lot. This can be especially challenging in the night classes, but even a little effort can go a long way with the instructors. They pay close attention to who is working and who isn't. Auto mechanics is not easy and the courses are designed to weed out those that are not serious.
    Dorm Life

    I haven't lived in the dorms and I don't know what the student housing is like.
    Food and Dining

    I mostly enjoy the Espresso shop in the cafeteria. Those guys pay attention to quality ad love their work. I've had little of the cafeteria food, but i know it's better than Cabrillo College's food.
    What to do for fun

    Being that I love sports, I'm inclined toward De Anza's athletic department. They have a new soccer field, tennis courts, golf area, and archery area.
    Bang for the buck

    Great education for very cheap! Even the parking permits are cheap. I honestly believe one can get as good or better education from a JC like De Anza as one can get from a UC.
    Great for these types of students

    Computer and technology. Not so much art. Athletes too!
    Campus Safety

    Presently there is a lot under construction (which is good because they're upgrading, but tends to disrupt parts of the campus safety).

  • Jiyoon from Cupertino, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The professors are great at De Anza College. All of them are very friendly and passionate about teaching. Because of the education budget cut in California, De Anza is experiencing increase of tuitions if you're out-of-state or international students. The majority of the students go to De Anza to transfer to 4-year-institutions.
    Academic Rigor

    You will have to study hard, but all the assignments and projects are doable.
    Dorm Life

    There are no dorms at De Anza.
    Food and Dining

    The food at the cafeteria is pretty good. If you want, you can always go to nearby restaurants such as Quickly, WholeFood, Panda Express, etc.

  • Allison from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    De Anza College provided the right education for me for the past three years. The teachers helped me by providing challenging life lessons and the counselors have been a big help by advising what classes to take. De Anza was the perfect community college to prepare me for my next college experience.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to leave your house early enough to get parking during the first week of class. Be sure to study throughout the quarter so you do not kill yourself towards the end. Also talk to a counselor so you do not waste your time and money.
    Academic Rigor

    The courses at De Anza are challenging enough to prepare me for my four year college.
    Food and Dining

    The food at De Anza was good. I especially liked the salad and the curly fries. The prices were a bit high, but reasonable.
    What to do for fun

    De Anza has many clubs and activities on campus. There is the flea market the first Saturday of every month, $5 movies across the street at the Oaks, and many food vendors around the block.
    Bang for the buck

    There is a $5 movie theater across the street at The Oaks shopping center, as well as many food vendors around the area.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    The cafeteria is always filled with an exciting, college atmosphere. There is nothing really unusual about the campus. It is beautiful.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are many clubs on campus. On club day you will witness multiple clubs circling in front of the library. You will definitely find something you are interested in.
    Campus Safety

    I have always felt safe at De Anza. Cupertino is generally a safe neighborhood. I do not believe any violent activity has happened at De Anza for the past three years I have been here.

  • Natsumi Chiyo

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    It's best to do a research on who your Professors are going to be!
    Academic Rigor

    Classes can be tough since De Anza is based on a quarter-system, however if you are dedicated on your studies, you will succeed with a high grade.
    Dorm Life

    There is not any dorm on campus, but housing is available near De Anza.
    Food and Dining

    Cafeteria food is okay and a little expensive, I would not say that it is the best because there are many other restaurants near the campus. Usually, people pack their lunch from home or eat outside of the campus.
    What to do for fun

    Attending club activities and getting to know people from De Anza. It is always fun to interact with other people and make friends!
    Bang for the buck

    Classes and tuition are cheap once you apply for Financial Aid!
    Great for these types of students

    Transfer and on-budget students.
    Clubs and Activities

    There are many different clubs that you can join in, and you will be able to sign up during club day which is I believe once or twice every quarter.
    Campus Safety

    There is a Police station in the campus, and they are willing to help and protect you if you need safety. However, it is an open-campus, therefore always try to be aware of your surroundings.

  • Nicole from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    It's a great school for transferring, not so much if you want to just get your associates. It's main focus is getting people in and out and transfered.
    Academic Rigor

    I've heard it is harder than some state schools, and the quarter system is a little difficult to navigate since things go so fast. It is not a school for slackers; if you want to slack off, go to west valley haha
    Food and Dining

    Food sucks. Go off campus to eat or get the chinese food or unomas.

  • Student from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Dorm Life

    De Anza does not have residential dorms.
    Food and Dining

    Nothing special I suppose.
    Clubs and Activities

    They have a good set of clubs and activities. If you wish to participate, there is plenty to choose from.

  • Eiez from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    De Anza college is convenient. The teachers there are great and they're always willing to listen and help.
    Tips for prospective students

    Work hard and don't forget to study.
    Academic Rigor

    It's difficult in usually major classes and not so much in minor classes.
    Dorm Life

    de anza does not have dorms.
    Food and Dining

    there's plenty of great food and restaurants conveniently located around the school
    What to do for fun

    School clubs and weekly activities like the flea market on the weekends.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who love the bay area!
    Campus Safety

    I never usually have to worry about my safety. There's always police men walking around, supervising the campus.

  • Vanessa from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    overall school is pretty decent, takes awhile to get the classes you need due to budget cuts. great transfer rate, if thats what you plan on doing.
    Tips for prospective students

    have a back up classes, just in case your not able to get in. and always keep going to the class until the teacher says were not taking anymore students
    Academic Rigor

    just stay on top of your work and its easy
    Food and Dining

    big selection of food
    Bang for the buck

    it will get you in and out, as long as you stay on track and take at least 3-4 classes each quarter

  • Michelle from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    de anza college is filled with many helpful professors and staff who just want you to transfer and are willing to answer any questions you have. the campus has a very tranquil feel being very spacious, filled with plants, and smoke-free. the people all around are very friendly, creating a safe and mutual environment.
    Tips for prospective students

    after you apply here and are enrolled, if you are academically disadvantaged whether it be financially or academically in general, make sure you apply to eops!! this program helps out students who are academically disadvantaged guiding them to success and also giving students the upper-hand of early registration for classes as de anza is very impacted!
    Academic Rigor

    the courses taught here are a bit challenging, but that's typical, for they are college courses. as long as you put in the work and study, you should do fine with your classes. some classes are easier than others of course, but all it takes is perseverance.
    Dorm Life

    there aren't any dorms on campus here, it's a community college.
    Food and Dining

    the food served here is very good. the cafeteria serves restaurant quality food and there are also other places on campus, such as the bookstore and cafe that sell a wide range of snacks and packaged foods. random vending machines are also located in various areas on campus.
    What to do for fun

    de anza's campus is very peaceful in general so going for a little stroll around campus is fun. in the cafeteria there is also a piano there for anyone who would like to play to play.
    Bang for the buck

    what you pay to attend this college is very well worth it. cheap because it's a community college, a community college with a high transfer rate. the courses aren't too easy nor are they ridiculously difficult. de anza is also a quarter system school so you can transfer faster if dedicated.
    Great for these types of students

    if you want to save money, which most people do, this school is great for you. you save a large amount of money attending here before you transfer. the saying, you get what you pay for., does not apply here at all, attending this college, you get way more than what you pay for, which is a great advantage especially in our current economic crisis.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are many clubs here to choose from to join of your liking. if you do not have an interest in any of these clubs, you are allowed to create your own club with approval. club days are held i believe every quarter except summer that you can check out.
    Campus Safety

    due to an incident that occurred years ago where a student planted bombs around the school, the campus security are now actual policemen, so that's a plus. you can go to the campus police department if you're ever in trouble.

  • Melissa

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Academic Rigor

    it is fairly challenging depending on the course.
    Dorm Life

    well there is none but the school has a busy atmosphere, with a lot going on.
    Food and Dining

    the food is pretty good although a bit over priced.
    Clubs and Activities

    i have been involved with a few clubs but my favorite and the one i've spent most time in is anime club. i have made long lasting good friends through this club. everyone is welcoming and friendly and i have had an overall positive experience. there are also many other clubs catering to a variety of many other interests.

  • Caro0551

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    research, research, and do some more research. find what major you truly want to major in and then find the best college. on the other hand, if you are undecided (which is fine) find a college that can help or help broaden your horizon to see what interest you.
    Academic Rigor

    the academic life at dac is slightly harsh. but it can be different in some departments just depends where you are.
    Dorm Life

    since de anza is a community college there is no dorm life here. however, college life at de anza is fair.
    Food and Dining

    the cafeteria provides variety of food for students who are looking to eat something different. if you want to know what will be on the menu for the day, you can look at the school newspaper and it will tell you. but overall, the food is excellent.
    What to do for fun

    what is there to do for fun? well there can be a wide range. you can join a club or create your own if nothing interests you, play school sports, act in a play. you just have to open your eyes and see whats out there on campus.
    Bang for the buck

    it is somewhat expensive but starting in the summer, it's only going to get more expensive. so i suggest applying for financial aid but do not let the cost stop you from making your goal. also apply to scholarships that are available from the school or other places where you can find them.
    Greek Life

    no greek life.
    Campus Safety

    morning, afternoon, and night. campus police/security are there to assist you for whatever reason it may be. they are helpful so do not hesitate to ask for help.

  • Thi from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    this is the best college i've learned at. it has good environment. the teachers here are so nice and professional.
    Academic Rigor

    many popular and special departments.
    Food and Dining

    they're delicious. and customer service is good.
    What to do for fun

    sports, reading in library
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    bookstore is easy to find. it's near parking lot a.
    Great for these types of students

    any kind of students who want to be successful.
    Clubs and Activities

    really great!!!!!!!!
    Greek Life

    don't really know yet.
    Campus Safety

    it's ok.

  • Daniel from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    there are some teachers that are just horrible and i couldn't learn anything from them but then there are some teachers that i love and could not wait to go to there class to learn
    Am enjoying being here

    there are times i really like it but then there are times where i wonder if this is how all colleges are and hope it's not. the one thing that would make it more enjoyable is for them to have more events to meet other students
    Bang for the buck

    it's not that expensive and you get a lot of thing for what you pay for, like an on campus attorney which i found out we had the second year.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go see a counselor as soon as possible, i would have been done sooner if I had.

  • Justine from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I came from one of the top distinguished high schools in California, so for me the classes aren't terribly hard. But for someone who went to the average high school, classes may be a bit more difficult. I did, however, learn a TON in my sociology class with Mari Huerta, as well as in my psychology class with Goesling (hint hint!). Wasn't too impressed with my philosophy teacher-I've heard the same thing from other students as well. Overall, the teachers are great, helpful, and if they see you putting in the effort, they will work with you and help you succeed. Oh! And child development with Cordero is awesome! Anyone going into nursing, teaching, etc. should definitely take this class!
    Am enjoying being here

    There is a ton of school spirit when it comes to current events, fundraisers, clubs, etc. Right now we are having the Walk a Mile in her Shoes march, and almost everyone in my classes is signed up and attending it. The same thing happened for the March on March 4th at the capitol (supporting teachers and school funding).
    Bang for the buck

    Classes are definitely affordable. However, books can become very expensive, especially if the only copies left are the new ones -.- If you can, go to your instructor's page as soon as you sign up for the class so you can look at their green sheet and find which books you need. You can generally get them for way cheap on amazon, but also can buy them used/rent them at the campus bookstore. Also, if all are sold out definitely check out the college bookstore across the street (next to Togos). You can also go there to sell old books, they take almost all of them. If you go to buy your books too late at the campus bookstore, though, they will generally be sold out and want you to order a new one through them, which is crazy expensive.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you are an early bird, sign up for 7:30 or 8:30AM classes. You will be able to have your choice of parking spaces. If you wait until 9:30, it will be harder to find parking, and you will end up having to leave the house earlier to get to class on time anyways.
    Be to your classes (and ON TIME) on the first day. If you aren't you can and probably will be dropped (yes, even if your late they can drop you). If you are waitlisted, still go to class for that week, even if the teacher keeps telling you they aren't adding anyone. Many students don't show up the 1st day, or drop it after a few days, which bumps you up.
    Great for these types of students

    Competitive students, especially those willing to fight for spots in classes (it's pretty much a requirement as some classes are near impossible to get in to). You should be motivated as well, and willing to be social and more out there. Students there already have their cliques generally, and there are a ton of people who go there-it's easy to get lost.

  • Anthony from Mountain View, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There is an amazing amount of diversity on the campus as well as in the class room, I am learning from the moment I step out of the car!
    Am enjoying being here

    A beautiful campus and there is always an activity by the food court to keep people entertained.
    Bang for the buck

    I really do my research on my teachers before I sign up for a class. My first year I had to drop a class because I could not deal with the teacher and the teacher couldn't deal with me. Other than that, awesome school.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't worry about not getting into a class that first day, go back the next day, and the next till the teacher adds you.
    Great for these types of students

    Outgoing, active, committed

  • Chuong from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    De Anza is a great community college to attend because it has a variety of professors that come from prestigious schools and can provide you with a great quality of knowledge. I have spent a year in this school and i have taken classes with very intelligent professors from schools that you would also hope to be in someday.
    Am enjoying being here

    This community college is a relatively short commute, and that is a good thing about this school. The school is very diverse and has many clubs that you can be involved in. De Anza being one of the top community colleges to transfer from, it's very popular! So there are so many students you can meet and it is very interesting to such diverse backgrounds in a community college!
    Bang for the buck

    This community college has very intelligent professors that teach there, who come from schools of higher education that you would expect to be teaching in university's. So going to De Anza doesn't necessarily mean that you won't get the same education as a university, it's just cheaper and you can really take advantage of this if you have Financial Aid.
    Tips for prospective students

    I would say that De Anza is a very popular school, so prospecting students should know that it is very competitive to get into lower division courses for your major. Also, even though it is a community college doesn't mean that it is easier than a university college, you must really focus and work hard!!
    Great for these types of students

    De Anza works with a quarter system, which means that there are 4 quarters in a year: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The pace is much faster, and even faster in Summer. But if you are the motivated and fast paced, competitive type student, you should really consider going to this college.

  • An from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    De Anza is a college for those who thirst for knowledge. The general education classes here are absolutely incredible. I have taken classes which range from environmental science to legal studies, and I can proudly accept the fact that I have been extremely ignorant of the vast knowledge that I have been privileged to witness. It is impossible for me to deny that the vast majority of CA Redwood Trees have been chopped down, or even that reality is a combination of action and form.
    Am enjoying being here

    If a social environment is what you're looking for, then look no further. De Anza College has a huge amount of students attending and the hospitality of the general population cannot be described by mundane words. Many times have I gotten lost and inquired about directions, only to find that the students and faculty there not only tell me the direction, but also incline to offer me advice on who to ask if i get lost.
    Bang for the buck

    for about 17 $ a unit, this community college is an absolute bargain for the amount of knowledge and friendliness. There are a myriad of scholarships that De Anza offer to its students. With such help, it is implausible to think anyone would have a financially difficult time attending De Anza college
    Tips for prospective students

    Prospective students who are hesitant in choosing this college should think about how much value their education is to them. If prospective student decides that education is a necessity of life, or an invaluable asset of consciousness, then De Anza should not require a single moment of thought.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who wish to pursue their education in an friendly and intelligent environment should consider De Anza College. The classes allow the optimum efficiency for learning and the teachers are saints when it comes to student satisfaction and achievment.s

  • Nguon from San Jose, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments